Archive for Class or Small Group

During the season of Lent, we’re going to study the book Short Stories by Jesus: the Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi by Amy Jill-Levine. This book by a Jewish scholar of New Testament and Jewish studies seeks to “un-domesticate” the parables of Jesus. This will go hand-in-hand with our Lenten worship theme of the Ways of the Kingdom because the parables are window into how Jesus taught the kingdom of God was like.

We’re hoping everyone will participate in our next book study! It begins December 2nd and goes into the New Year,

No one likes to eat alone; to approach a table filled with people, only to be told that despite the open chairs there isn’t room for you. The rejection stings. It leaves a mark. Yet this is exactly what the church has been saying to far too many people for far too long: “You’re not welcome here. Find someplace else to sit.” How can we extend unconditional welcome and acceptance in a world increasingly marked by bigotry, fear, and exclusion?

Pastor John Pavlovitz invites readers to join him on the journey to find—or build—a church that is big enough for everyone. He speaks clearly into the heart of the issues the Christian community has been earnestly wrestling with: LGBT inclusion, gender equality, racial tensions, and global concerns. A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, Hopeful Spiritual Community asks if organized Christianity can find a new way of faithfully continuing the work Jesus began two thousand years ago, where everyone gets a seat. Pavlovitz shares moving personal stories and his careful observations as a pastor to set the table for a new, more loving conversation on these and other important matters of faith. He invites us to build the bigger table Jesus imagined, practicing radical hospitality, total authenticity, messy diversity, and agenda-free community.

We’re inviting everyone to read the book so you can part of the conversation, even if you don’t choose to participate in a study/discussion group.

Groups will meet:
Sundays, December 16 and 23, January 6 and 13 after worshipWednesday, December 5, 12, and 19, and January 9 or 16.

But if coming to a group is not your thing, we will be having posts in the Facebook group as well. Feel free to participate whether or not you are in a group!

In paperback, the book costs $12, and we’ll order one for you if you like. It’s also in Kindle format for less than $8.

Sign-up at the welcome table to let us know you want to read the book. Signing up doesn’t mean you commit to a study group, but it does mean you commit to reading the book.

Want to grow in faith and connect with others? Sign up for one of these small group opportunities:

Book Study on Grateful, a new book by Diana Butler Bass

While studies show that most people feel a sense of personal thankfulness for specific things, the author sees a gap between that feeling and our worry and fear as a society. We’ll explore our personal and collective emotions of gratitude and our ethics/actions in response, with a book full of personal stories, spirituality, and Biblical reflections.

Class will meet Sundays at 11:20am–12:45pm on April 29, May 6, May 20, June 3, and June 10. Led by Pastor Kristie Olah.

Book Study on Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, a classic book by Marcus J. Borg

Marcus Borg went on a spiritual journey as an adult when he was asked to talk about Jesus “and make it personal.” As an academic religion scholar, Borg found that he was profoundly moved in the process and it illuminated his faith in new ways. We will go on that journey with him, exploring our personal relationship and discovering new images and ways to see Jesus through the scriptures.

Class will meet Wednesdays at 6:30–7:45pm on May 2, 9 16, 30 and June 6 & 13. Led by Pastor Renée Rico.

Both books are available in hardcopy (either hardback or paperback) and in electronic form.